I'm turning Veganese

I'm sick of hearing myself complain about everything - from the weather, bad drivers, politicians and their "secret" children, to my own health woes.  Ah, I'm too fat, my knees ache, my head hurts, my eyes burn, I'm guessing your sick of hearing me too.  So today I'm taking the bull by the horns - I intend to make some changes.  First things first, I need to get healthy again, mind, body and soul.  I will first attempt the body.  If I look better I believe it is natural that feeling better soon follows.

A very do-able taking the bull by the horns

Last night as I was mindlessly flipping through the TV channels, I came upon the last few minutes of a PBS special, Kickstart your health with Dr. Barnard.  I didn't get to see much, but what he was touting was a Vegan Diet.  And not just to lose weight.  The benefits were much more impressive than just being able to slip into that old pair of "skinny jeans" we all keep stashed away in the closet.  He talked about how it can reduce your blood pressure, reverse heart disease, tame your diabetes, reduce or rid joint pain.  I felt like I had just slipped and fell into the big fountain of youth.  Too good to be true?  I'm not sure but I want to try this one. In the past I've never wanted to entertain a vegan diet (no cheese, yogurt, eggs?), but my aching joints and squeaky knees are begging me, "please, please, please?"

Instead of pledging $100 to obtain the book and also do a great service by supporting public television, I jumped on the computer, pulled up Amazon, and purchased the book for $9.99.  Do I feel good about myself?  No, not at all. But I will get over it.  One thing at a time, body, then mind and soul.

Dr. Barnard's book

The Kickstart your Health plan is a vegan diet.  He has you try it for 3 weeks, 21 days, and see how it affects you.  I think I can handle 21 days.  Of course, there will be interruptions.  Next weekend I will be in Portland and it might be difficult to avoid some of my favorites.  Oh wait, Voodoo Donuts make vegan donuts!  I'm in heaven.  And between all of those food trucks I'm sure there are many that dish up a delicious vegan speciality or two.  The following week I have a wine and cheese tasting that I need to attend.  Maybe I can just lick the cheese between swishing and spitting my wine.

The Flavour Spot food cart Portland - Vegan maple sausage waffle!!!

Vegan donuts at Voodoo Donuts in Portland

I don't have my book yet but I wanted to start this morning so I just went ahead and Googled "vegan diet".  So far so good.  I just got through one meal.  Banishing my half and half to the back of the refrigerator, I had my coffee with almond milk, it was fabulous.  Made some oatmeal, added sliced almonds and 1/2 a banana, a little agave nectar and a splash of almond milk. Wow, breakfast was easy.  Hmm, now, the hard part, what to have for lunch?

(FYI -  Noting or commenting on the state of affairs of the world, of others, or of ourselves does not necessarily constitute "complaining" - it is mere observation- thank goodness for that, otherwise I'd have nothing to blog about)